The second annual Polk Pride event in Lakeland will go on as scheduled this weekend, but you may notice some extra police officers in the area.
In light of the tragedy in Orlando, organizers made the decision this week to hire extra officers to patrol Saturday’s main even in Munn Park.
That’s in addition to the police officers LPD already plan to have in the area just as a precaution.
Polk Pride is expecting a great turnout after seeing the response on Monday at the candlelight vigil in Lakeland.
“There was nearly 25-hundred people in attendance. That really says something about the Lakeland community and about Polk County in general. We show the support and stand in solidarity,” said Scott Guira, the chairperson of Polk Pride.
The Pride in the Park event includes vendors, food, live music, and fun for the entire family.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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June 15: Pride 4 Youth. The Lakeland Youth Alliance will kickoff the weekend’s Pride festivities with music, food and fun interactive activities for ages 13 – 20 at their Pride 4 Youth Event on Wednesday, June 15. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 145 E. Edgewood Dr. in Lakeland.
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June 16 – Pride in Faith. Fellowship with your community and enjoy an interfaith worship service at Pride in Faith. Celebrate as we bring together Polk County’s faith-based LGBT affirming organizations, friends, families and allies on Thursday, June 16. The service begins at 7 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 145 E. Edgewood Dr. in Lakeland.
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June 17, 7 p.m. – Icons: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World – A Solo Musical Comedy by Jade Esteban Estrada. Join Polk Pride as we take a hilarious trip through time with the most notable names in lesbian and gay history. Jade Esteban Estrada has delighted audiences all over the United States and abroad with this host of characters in a performance that will be one you won’t want to miss. The Lakeland Community Theatre is proud to co-produce this even at the Lake Mirror Theater located at 121 S. Lake Avenue in Lakeland at 8 p.m. June 17. Tickets cost $10 and are available at www.PolkPrideFL.com.
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June 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Pride in the Park. An event for the whole family, spend Saturday, June 18 celebrating Pride at Munn Park in beautiful Downtown Lakeland! Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, community organizations, and family-friendly activities. The main stage will feature a variety of music, dance and comedy acts. This FREE event kicks off at 10 a.m. and offers something for the entire family. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come enjoy the day!
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June 18, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. – Pride After Dark. As night falls on a busy Saturday, the Pride after party will just be starting at Pride After Dark. Enjoy a cocktail, hit the dance floor and have a good time as the amazing Kathryn Nevets hosts a memorable evening and Pride themed drag show. Party from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. at Club Main Street, 1295 E. Main Street in Lakeland. Everyone 18 and up is welcome, ID is required.
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June 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Pride Talks. As the weekend winds down, join the conversation at Frescos Downstairs for Pride Talks, a LGBT Community Speaker forum to review important topics, legislation and issues affecting the LGBT community. Fresco’s will offer brunch for purchase during this forum featuring various expert panelists that will provide resources and answer important questions. Gain knowledge, empowerment and perspective on the future of equality. The forum takes place 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, 132 S. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland.
